'Israel' could drag US into ME conflict it sought to avoid: Newsweek

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Newsweek
18 Oct 2024 06:12

Newsweek highlights the growing divergence in US and Israeli interests, warning that "Israel's" ongoing war on Lebanon and potential actions against Iran could pull the US into escalating conflicts it seeks to avoid.

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A participant holds a miniature US and Israeli flags as they stand on the National Mall at the March for "Israel" on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, in Washington. (AP)

The American magazine Newsweek described the relationship between the United States and the Israeli occupation as complicated, noting that the interests of allies sometimes "diverge, and problems arise" especially "when one ally wants to do something in its own perceived interest that hurts the interests of the other—or even drags it into conflict, as is the case now with Israel and the United States."

In an article, Newsweek argued that any "major Israeli war in Lebanon is not in US interests at all," stressing that it would lead to "escalatory pressures that could be very difficult to resist." The article drew a comparison to the increasing pressure on Washington to "go on offense with airstrikes against Iran after Tehran's strike on Israel."

The magazine also suggested that Washington should make it clear that, while it might defend Israel from Iranian strikes, it should use any influence it has to restrain Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from attacking Iran.

Newsweek highlighted the allegedly awkward position the US faces, "judging by its failure to prevent Israel from escalating in Lebanon, Washington is unlikely to dissuade the Israelis from attacking Iran."

And even if the US manages to avoid such an attack, according to the article, "the opportunities for the US to be pulled in will only multiply as Israel's war in Lebanon progresses."

While Newsweek spoke about the lack of a clear goal for the war that "Israel" is waging on Lebanon, the article noted that "The US probably couldn't restrain Israel from going deep into Lebanon if Netanyahu thinks it's in his vital interests to do so."

Newsweek warned that if "Israel's" invasion of Lebanon turns out to be similar to its invasion of Gaza, will the US be able to hold firm against escalation to offensive strikes against Iran?" In response, Newsweek noted "We'd better hope so, but the precedent isn't good," making reference to what was claimed to be a limited invasion of northern Gaza and evolved into a full-scale invasion in central Gaza and at the Egyptian border lasting for over a year.

Hezbollah's Operations Room: New phase of escalation, time will show

"In line with the directives of the Resistance leadership, the Islamic Resistance Operations Room announces the transition to a new, escalatory phase in the confrontation with the Israeli enemy, the details of which will unfold in the coming days," announced the statement released by Hezbollah's Operations Room.

According to the statement, the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon continues to confront Israeli occupation forces seeking to invade Lebanon inflicting heavy losses upon them. Among the losses are equipment and personnel, including officers and soldiers.

Operations were conducted across the frontlines in southern Lebanon and reaching into IOF positions deep within occupied Palestine.

Since the start of ground operations along the frontlines near the Lebanese-Palestinian border, the Israeli occupation forces have deployed five military divisions, consisting of over 70,000 soldiers and officers, supported by hundreds of tanks and military vehicles.

In response, the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon mobilized hundreds of fighters, prepared to repel any Israeli occupation incursion into southern Lebanese villages.